The Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act
February 15, 2011
The Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act has again been introduced in Congress by Senator John Kerry (D-MA). This bill would remove the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric care for Medicare beneficiaries. Eliminating the limit will give Medicare beneficiaries access to mental health coverage equal to that of those with private health insurance coverage. It will increase choice and access for beneficiaries with the most serious mental illnesses, and improve the continuity of their care.
The lifetime limit on Medicare coverage of inpatient psychiatric care discriminates against individuals with mental illnesses in that it singles out inpatient psychiatric care for a limit which does not apply to any other Medicare specialty inpatient hospital service. Moreover, it limits access to care for those who desperately need it.
The need for access to comprehensive mental health treatment for older adults is compelling. Researchers estimate that up to 63 percent of older adults with a mental health disorder do not receive the services they need. Furthermore, older adults have the highest suicide rate of any other age group. Those 85 and over have the highest rate, while those aged 75-84 have the second highest.
To show your support for the Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act, please go to www.voa.org/advocate.
